Contributions of non-human primates to neuroscience research

Lancet. 2008 Mar 29;371(9618):1126-35. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(08)60489-4.

Abstract

Non-human primates have a small but important role in basic and translational biomedical research, owing to similarities with human beings in physiology, cognitive capabilities, neuroanatomy, social complexity, reproduction, and development. Although non-human primates have contributed to many areas of biomedical research, we review here their unique contributions to work in neuroscience, and focus on four domains: Alzheimer's disease, neuroAIDS, Parkinson's disease, and stress. Our discussion includes, for example, the role of non-human primates in development of new treatments (eg, stem cells, gene transfer) before phase I clinical trials in patients; basic research on disease pathogenesis; and understanding neurobehavioural outcomes resulting from genotype-environment interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomedical Research*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Humans
  • Neurosciences*
  • Primates*